Masterfully reimagined icons of close-up magic—the thumb tip, dye tube, swami writer, sanada gimmick, playing cards, and more.
The Academy Learning Center: Currently 200 Video Lessons, 26+ Hours of Pure Gold, and 94 Close Up Magic Blog Articles
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New Lessons: Beginner Linking Rings, Beginner Rubber Band Magic, Professors Nightmare Rope Trick, Professional NO Math Handling of the Invisible Deck, Rough and Smooth Project, The Faux Vanish, and The Phantom Vanish.
New Physical Products: My Favorite Card Packet Tricks. Shipped Worldwide. Carry In Your Pocket. Ready To Amaze!
New Stand Alone Tutorials: The Perfect Dollar Bill Change and The Perfect Salt Vanish
Coming Soon - New Academy Lessons
Linking Rings
Pen Through Bill
Purse Frame Essentials
Enigma Silks
Bottle Cap Mystery
The Sticky Steal
Switcheroo Concepts
The Magnetic Series
PVC Pipe, Matchbox and Medicine Bottle Magic Show
Rough and Smooth Essentials
Now Available - My Most Requested Card Packet Tricks. Shipped To Your Door. Carry in Your Pocket. Ready to Amaze
One word - Incredible! These cards are amazingly easy to use. Every magician, from beginner to advanced, should have these in their arsenal. The handling is straightforward and requires no sleight of hand. No need to worry about exposing a mis-indexed card. These are really full view, front and back.
I blow people away every day with them. Highly recommended.
Kevin Fitzgerald Tacoma, Washington - USA
The Ultimate Dollar Deception
Nine Lessons Will Supercharge Your Bill Change Magic. Elevate your magic from ordinary to legendary with this must-have EDC stunner. For Beginner to Advanced Magicians
OMG! The Perfect Dollar Bill Change course is RIDICULOUS!
Absolutely amazing. If you’re serious about close-up thumb tip work, you NEED this course. I’ve been a magician for 45 years, and the things I learned here are truly groundbreaking.
Trust me—you’ll be using these moves and principles in all of your thumb tip routines. This course doesn’t just teach you a trick; it gives you tools and concepts you’ll use over and over again.
Highly recommended! 5 Stars. David Henderson - Pennsylvania USA
The Perfect Salt Vanish
THE PERFECT SALT VANISH - A CLASSIC REBORN…
The Salt Vanish has been a classic of close-up magic for decades. Now, you can perform this miracle easily, naturally, and with incredible impact.
Extreme close-up. Angle-proof. Mesmerizing. Absolutely deceptive.
This is the perfect trick for beginners and experienced magicians alike. Best of all, there’s no wacky, mag-icky, or difficult handling. No complicated sleights. No special magic gimmick.
For Beginner to Advanced Magicians
The Perfect Salt Vanish course is a must-have!
It’s amazing what you can do with such a cheap prop that you probably already have at home. This is killer magic! My friends ask me to perform it over and over, and no one has any idea how I do it. Super cool way of thinking!
Mike Jennings - Oklahoma, USA
What People Are Saying…
Holy Cow. I didn’t expect the rubber band and linking ring lessons to be so good. A great starting point. I am a beginner and my angles were all messed up on both tricks. These really helped me a lot!
Charles O’Connell California USA
Amazing FIVE Stars - I own training materials such as Darwin's Encyclopedia, works from Losander and Patrick Page, Hand Picked Astonishments, L&L World's Greatest Magic, and Thumbtipedia. I have nothing against these titles — they are all good — but they are not amazing.
It took seeing Hal Saxon’s methods to truly understand the difference between good and amazing. Hal Saxon is clearly next level and stands alone at the top.
Will Singleton - New York USA
Hal Saxon’s Rough and Smooth Card Project is amazing. I can now make my own packet tricks that completely blow people’s minds. Thanks, Hal!
Eric Hunter - California USA
The absolute best training on the thumb tip and dye tube ever! Surpasses everything I have ever seen… having been a magician for 45 years, I have seen it all. Nothing like it anywhere, anytime, by anyone…
Thomas Billings - Florida USA
Wow! With Hal’s training, I’ve taken a 140-year-old gimmick and advanced its handling into the 21st century. It’s refreshing, invisible, powerful—and the course is ridiculously affordable.
Albert Gaines - Colorado USA
About Hal Saxon Magic Academy… A Library Of Close-Up Magic
The Hal Saxon Magic Academy is an extraordinary resource for magicians of every level—from dedicated amateurs to seasoned professionals, beginners to advanced performers.
As a member, you’ll gain unlimited access to exclusive instructional videos and eBooks created by one of the world’s finest close-up magicians. The curriculum features in-depth courses such as the Famous Hal Saxon Thumb Tip and Dye Tube Masterclass. The thumb tip and much more.
Your all-access monthly membership is just $9.99—and you can cancel anytime.
It is all covered
Thumb tips, dye tubes, palmo balls, my signature Switcheroo Gimmick, my Trademark Gimmick, magnetic tips, magnetic dye tubes, matchboxes, playing cards, and so much more.
You’ll learn 14 incredible “in your hand” vanishes featuring amazingly deceptive, extreme close-up, angle-proof handling that will fool spectators from inches away.
You will even learn how to vanish liquids, slat and powers right in front of your spectators eyes and never lose a drop of liquid or a grain of salt.
Plus, I’ll teach you my all-time favorite routines, including the Silk Vanish, Bill Change, Salt Vanish, Cut and Restored Rope, Signed Torn, Poured and Restored Sweetener, the Bank Vault Challenge, Invisible Change Purse — along with over 100 additional tricks and powerful effects.
One pass, endless possibilities.
The most comprehensive thumb tip, dye tube, Sanada, and swami learning ever! (And a few other close-up magic gems.) As a member, you gain access to a wealth of resources and exclusive content related to the thumb tip and dye tube. Beginner to advanced, amateur to professional. You can access every course, every video, every article and every LIVE event.
I joined and I am digging it!
Learning a lot. Hal’s easy going style is great and his attention to detail is second to none. He is a true master of the art and he explains it all extremely well
-Tom Bardenwerper
Incredible Close Up Magic - Learn At Your Own Pace
Access every tutorial, every video, every LIVE event, and every eBook for one low price. Learn from your desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
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I have spent six decades as a professional magician, and without reservation, my friend Hal Saxon stands alone as the most extraordinary thumb tip and dye tube artist I have ever witnessed. His handling is seamless, inventive, and beyond anything I thought possible.
Robert “Bob” Sanders - Alabama USA
I never imagined I could do so much with so little! The thumb tip is my new EDC (Every Day Carry) miracle worker. Kudos Hal!
Michael Jacobsen - Leeds UK
Hal Saxon’s thumb tip and dye tube training material is exceptionally well done. The instruction is clear, easy to follow, and masterfully structured, making even the finer details simple to understand and apply. It’s incredibly comprehensive without ever feeling overwhelming.
My mind has been in overdrive thinking about all the possibilities these tools open up. As Hal says, “there is no turning back,” and he’s absolutely right. After seeing his handling and philosophy, I genuinely can’t imagine going back to the way I used to work with these props. The difference is that profound.
Highly recommended for anyone serious about elevating their magic.
Rick Newman - California USA
The Classics Revitalized
Some might claim, “The thumb tip and dye tube are... boring.” I agree, the old way is boring. However, these timeless classics can be revitalized and presented in captivating and unexpected ways that will leave you amazed.
As a magician, I specialize in close-up magic, showcasing timeless classics like the thumb tip and dye tube.
Picture this: at a recent live lecture with forty-five magicians, two of whom have 60 years of experience, seasoned professionals watch in disbelief as I perform. They lean in, captivated, only to find themselves stunned right before their very eyes.
In the handling workshop after the performance, these veteran magicians can't help but express their astonishment: "You told us what you were going to do, and yet, we all missed it! How in the world did you pull that off?"
Their bewilderment fuels my passion, reminding me of the magic's true essence – the wonder and surprise that keeps audiences, no matter how experienced, on the edge of their seats.
And if I can fool professional magicians, just imagine the response from laymen! Their reactions are even more profound, filled with pure amazement and disbelief.
It’s a reminder that the essence of magic lies in the joy of wonder, transcending skill and experience.
My Vision
I am a magician, but more than that, I am a teacher. My goal is to challenge the assumptions that bind magicians to the familiar and the comfortable. I want to push the boundaries of classic close-up magic, to elevate your magic to new heights. To do this, I ask my students to forget everything they think they know— to wipe the slate clean and approach their craft with fresh eyes. In this space, there are no limits, no rules beyond the ones they create for themselves. Together, we’ll uncover the magic that lies beyond the obvious, and discover the true art of wonder.
Elevate your Tipistry today!
For more than 50 years, I’ve been captivated by the art of close-up magic—especially the timeless classics built around sponges, coins, bills, cards, ropes, billets, and silks. These are the kinds of miracles you can carry in your pocket and perform anytime, anywhere.
Imagine creating impromptu, mind-blowing effects with no elaborate setup and no complicated sleight of hand—just natural, relaxed movements that leave your audience stunned. Underused classics like the thumb tip, dye tube, and Swami writer open the door to astonishing possibilities, delivering powerful magic for performers of every skill level.
Picture an extreme close-up vanish. How close? The spectator places both hands around your closed fist—guarding it, holding it, preventing you from doing anything suspicious. And still, the contents of your fist vanish. There is absolutely nothing they can do to stop the magic from happening.
That’s what magic should feel like—fun, thought-provoking, and completely unexpected.
There’s no need for flashy flourishes or exaggerated gestures. True astonishment comes from smooth, effortless actions that feel real. When the magic looks natural, it becomes believable—and when it’s believable, it becomes unforgettable.
These classics endure because they use ordinary objects—items your audience recognizes and trusts. There are no suspicious props, no complicated apparatus. Just familiar objects transformed into instruments of astonishment.
With more than 150 powerful effects in your repertoire, you’ll never run short of material. Whether you’re performing a tight five-minute set or entertaining for an entire evening, you’ll have a wide range of miracles at your fingertips—from the simplest vanish to layered, multi-phase routines that build to unforgettable climaxes.
Magic is about evoking emotion. It’s about creating those moments when someone leans back and says, “Wow… I didn’t see that coming.” When performed with care and conviction, close-up magic isn’t just entertaining—it’s deeply rewarding.
The great classics endure because they create genuine moments of wonder. They rely on believability, not speed. Substance, not flash. Now that’s magic.
— Hal
New to the Academy - Rough and Smooth Essentials. A DIY Packet Trick Cookbook.
Discover one of close-up magic’s most deceptive customized playing card categories: Rough & Smooth.
This DIY project has several lessons and teaches you how to transform an ordinary deck into astonishing packet tricks that look impossible.
Perform an Ultimate Three Card Monte where every card is freely shown front and back.
Visibly change identical cards into different colors front and back; right before your spectators’ eyes.
Or create the illusion of two three-card hands and magically swapping cards in full view.
and more….
Easy to make packet tricks that are incredibly deceptive, and requiring no difficult sleight of hand — just smooth handling and powerful presentations that keep all attention on your audience.
One of 15 different vanishes you will learn
This vanish and reproduction utilizes a king size hard thumb tip.
In this video, the thumb tip is NEVER on the thumb or any finger.
You will learn 15 amazing ways to vanish a tip. You will also discover invisible transfers and advanced handling that will skyrocket your confidence.
The Great Salt Vanish Mystery
You will learn how to perform and amazing salt vanish. A gimmick completely filled to the brim with salt or even liquid. You will not lose a drop of liquid or a grain of salt.
It is much easier than you think.
Refreshing new dye tube handling
You will learn 6 different ways to steal a dye tube or palmo ball. This handling overcomes the traditional fat fist handling that has been utilized for decades.
Lectures For Your Club, Organization, or Convention
Thank you James Svaglic for this wonderful lecture review!
Hal Saxon's presentation and lecture on thumb tips and dye tube magic was nothing short of extraordinary. His ability to break down complex techniques into clear and concise explanations made the session highly informative and engaging.
Saxon introduced innovative handling methods that many attendees, including seasoned magicians, had never encountered before. His demonstrations were not only captivating but also showcased the potential of these classic props in fresh and exciting ways. The modifications he suggested were practical and easily applicable, allowing for improved performances that left audiences in awe.
What truly stood out was his commitment to ensuring that each participant grasped the nuances of the techniques. Saxon’s in-depth approach provided insights into the psychological aspects of magic, enhancing the overall understanding of how to effectively engage an audience. By the end of the lecture, it was clear that Saxon's expertise and passion for the art of magic had significantly enriched the attendees' knowledge, inspiring them to elevate their own performances.
Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that highlighted the beauty and intricacies of thumb tips and dye tube magic.
Live or Virtual Lectures
Invite me to your club, organization, or convention to explore classic close-up magic with thumb tip, dye tube, Sanada, and Swami writer. I offer engaging 30–90 minute lectures on tricks, techniques, handling, and creative variations, with jaw‑dropping effects performed up close. Available live or virtual.
Contact Me
I would love to hear from you!
If you have questions, comments, or would like more information about the academy, I’d love to hear from you. Simply use the contact form to get in touch. Whether you’re seeking guidance on a course, looking for performance advice, or just want to connect about magic, I personally review all messages and will respond as promptly as possible.
Let’s keep the magic growing—reach out anytime!